U.S. patent number 5,231,918 [Application Number 07/718,793] was granted by the patent office on 1993-08-03 for appliance for brewing coffee or tea.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Mr. Coffee, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stanley E. Grzywna.
United States Patent |
5,231,918 |
Grzywna |
August 3, 1993 |
Appliance for brewing coffee or tea
Abstract
An appliance for brewing a flavor-carrying material such as
coffee, tea or the like. The appliance includes a reservoir for
receiving a predetermined amount of water, heating means for
heating the water and a brew basket having a chamber adapted to
receive a predetermined amount of flavor-carrying particulate
therein. The brew basket includes an open upper end, an aperture at
the lowest portion of the chamber, and a valve element movable
between a first position and a second position to create a drain
opening at two locations within the chamber. In the first position,
the valve element defines a drain opening a predetermined height
above the lowest portion of the chamber and in the second position
defines a drain opening at the lowest portion of the chamber.
Inventors: |
Grzywna; Stanley E. (Elyria,
OH) |
Assignee: |
Mr. Coffee, Inc. (Bedford
Heights, OH)
|
Family
ID: |
24887563 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/718,793 |
Filed: |
June 21, 1991 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
99/295; 99/299;
99/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J
31/0615 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47J
31/06 (20060101); A47J 031/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;99/279,285,290,295,299,300,32R,304,305,306,307,316 ;426/433 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62-11848 |
|
Mar 1987 |
|
JP |
|
2111377 |
|
Jul 1983 |
|
GB |
|
2135570 |
|
Feb 1984 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Jenkins; Robert W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hochberg; D. Peter Kusner; Mark
Claims
Thus, having described the invention, the following is claimed:
1. An appliance for brewing a flavor-carrying particulate such as
coffee, tea or the like comprising:
a reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of water,
heating means for heating said water,
a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive a predetermined
amount of said flavor-carrying particulate therein, said brew
basket having an open upper end and an aperture at the lowest
portion of said chamber,
means for delivering heated water from said heating means to said
chamber, and
valve means movable between a first position and a second position
to provide alternative drain openings at two locations in said
chamber, said valve means in its first position facilitating
drainage from a drain opening a predetermined height above said
lowest portion of said chamber, and in its second position
facilitating drainage from a drain opening at said lowest portion
of said chamber.
2. An appliance as defined in claim 1 further comprising actuator
means outside said chamber for moving said valve means between said
first and said second position.
3. An appliance as defined in claim 2 wherein said actuator means
is a knob movable along a path, said knob including means
operatively engaging said valve means wherein movement of said knob
moves said valve means between said first and second positions.
4. An appliance as defined in claim 3 wherein said valve means is
an elongated tubular member.
5. An appliance as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve means is a
straight tubular member having an internal bore communicating
openings at the end thereof, said tubular member being movable
along a predetermined path between said first position and said
second position.
6. An appliance as defined in claim 5 wherein said tubular member
has an upper end and a lower end, the opening in said lower end
being in registry with said aperture in said brew basket when said
tubular member is in said first position and said lower end being
dimensioned such that flow through said aperture is substantially
restricted to flow through said bore in said tubular member.
7. An appliance as defined in claim 6 wherein:
said brew basket includes a recess at the bottom of said chamber,
said recess having said aperture at the bottom thereof, and
said lower end of said tubular member is dimensioned to be received
within said recess and forms a generally fluid-type seal
therewith.
8. An appliance for making iced tea/coffee comprising:
a cylindrical, columnar housing containing:
a reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of water disposed
within said housing,
heating means for heating water from said reservoir, said heating
means disposed within said housing,
a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive coffee, tea or
the like, said chamber having an aperture at the lowest portion
thereof for draining brewed, heated tea or coffee from said
chamber, said brew basket being positionable within said housing
and removable therefrom, and
a tubular valve member within said chamber movable longitudinally
along an axis between a first position and a second position, in
said first position one end of said valve member substantially
obstructing said aperture wherein the other end of said valve
member defines a drain outlet a predetermined height above said
lowest portion of said chamber facilitating drainage through said
tubular member, and in said second position said one end being
removed from said aperture facilitating drainage through said
aperture.
9. An appliance as defined in claim 8 further comprising manually
operable actuating means outside said chamber for selectively
moving said value member, said actuating means being accessible
outside said housing.
10. An appliance for automatically making freshly-brewed iced tea
or iced coffee comprising:
a reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of water,
a heating system disposed below said reservoir for heating said
water,
a brew basket disposed above said reservoir having a chamber
adapted to receive coffee particulate or tea particulate
therein,
a drain outlet in said brew basket,
tubular valve means within said brew basket for cooperation with
said drain outlet in said brew basket to drain brewed coffee or
brewed tea from said brew basket, said tubular valve means having a
first end and a second end and being movable between a first
position wherein said first end of said valve means substantially
obstructs said drain outlet at the lowest point in said chamber,
resulting in drainage through said second end of said tubular valve
means which is located a predetermined height above said lowest
point in said chamber, and a second position wherein said first end
of said valve means is removed from said drain outlet and
facilitates drainage from said drain outlet,
a housing containing said reservoir, said heating unit, said brew
basket and said valve means, and
an actuator on said housing operably connected to said valve means
for moving said valve means between a first position and said
second position.
11. An appliance as defined in claim 10 wherein said brew basket is
removable from said housing.
12. An appliance as defined in claim 11 wherein said brew basket is
dimensioned to form a portion of said housing.
13. An appliance as defined in claim 10 wherein said housing is
generally columnar and has a generally continuous linear outer
profile.
14. An appliance as defined in claim 10 wherein said housing
includes a recess dimensioned to receive a receptacle, said recess
disposed adjacent said valve means wherein said receptacle may be
positioned below the drain outlet defined by said valve means.
15. An appliance as defined in claim 10 wherein said appliance
includes a receptacle dimensioned to be positioned adjacent said
housing in mating fashion therewith, said receptacle being disposed
to receive brewed, heated water from said drain outlet defined by
said valve means.
16. An appliance as defined in claim 15 wherein said appliance
includes means for sensing when said receptacle is disposed in
mating fashion with said housing.
17. An appliance as defined in claim 16 wherein said sensing means
is operable to deactivate said heating system when said receptacle
is not disposed in mating fashion with said housing.
18. An appliance as defined in claim 17 wherein said sensing means
include magnetic means.
19. An appliance as defined in claim 10 wherein said valve means is
a straight tubular member having an internal bore connecting two
open ends, said tubular member being movable along its longitudinal
axis between said first position and said second position.
20. An appliance as defined in claim 19 wherein:
said brew basket includes an aperture at the lowermost point in
said chamber, one open end of said tubular member being in registry
with said aperture when said tubular member is in said first
position, and
said appliance further including sealing means for creating a seal
between said tubular element and said brew basket when said tubular
member is in said first position, wherein the other end of said
tubular member is said drain outlet when said tubular member is in
said first position and said aperture in said brew basket is said
drain outlet when said tubular member is in said second
position.
21. An appliance as defined in claim 20 wherein said sealing means
is disposed on said one open end.
22. An appliance as defined in claim 21 wherein:
said tubular element is generally cylindrical in shape and said
sealing means is an O-ring on said one open end, and
said brew basket includes a counterbored recess at said lowest
point in said chamber, said recess having said aperture at the
bottom thereof and being dimensioned to receive said on open end of
said tubular member therein wherein said O-ring is in sealing
engagement therewith.
23. In an appliance for automatically brewing coffee or tea, said
appliance having means for providing heated water for brewing at a
predetermined location therein, a brew basket for holding, tea,
coffee or the like and for receiving heated water at said
predetermined location,
said brew basket having:
a generally cylindrical shape, a closed lower end and an open upper
end defining a chamber for receiving said coffee, tea and
water,
an aperture located at the lowest portion of said chamber for
draining said basket, said aperture including surface means
thereabout,
an elongated, tubular valve member having an upper end, a lower end
and an internal bore communicating an opening in said upper end
with an opening in said lower end, said lower end dimensioned to
matingly engage with said surface means of said aperture and to
form a generally fluid-tight seal therewith wherein said opening in
said lower end is in communication with said opening in said
aperture, said valve member being movable between a first position
wherein said lower end of said valve member is displaced from said
aperture and a second position wherein said lower end of said valve
member matingly engages said aperture such that fluid within said
chamber is drained from said basket through said valve member bore
and said aperture when said fluid reaches said opening in said
upper end of said valve member, and
actuator means for selectively controlling the position of said
valve member.
24. A brew basket as defined in claim 23 wherein said actuator
means is exposed on the external surface of said brew basket.
25. An appliance for automatically making freshly-brewed tea or
coffee comprising:
a reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of water,
a heating system for heating said water,
a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive coffee
particulate or tea particulate therein and a drain port at the
bottom of said chamber for draining liquid from said chamber,
and
valve means associated with said chamber, said valve means having a
passage therethrough and being manually movable to a first position
wherein one end of said passage through said valve means
communicates with said drain port and the other end of said passage
is disposed a predetermined height above the bottom of said
chamber, said one end of said passage substantially obstructing
said drain port, resulting in the accumulation of liquid in said
chamber to said predetermined height, liquid exceeding said
predetermined height flowing through said passage to said drain
port.
26. An appliance as defined in claim 25 wherein said drain port is
disposed to one side of said brew basket.
27. An appliance as defined in claim 25 further comprising,
an elongated, generally vertical housing having a generally
continuous linear outer profile, said housing containing said
reservoir, said heater, said brew basket and said valve means.
28. An appliance as defined in claim 27 wherein said housing
includes a recess dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a
receptacle therein and wherein said drain port in said brew basket
is disposed above said recess.
29. An appliance as defined in claim 28 wherein said receptacle
includes a pouring spout and said recess is dimensioned to receive
said pouring spout.
30. An appliance as defined in claim 25 for making iced tea or iced
coffee further comprising:
a receptacle having an open upper end for receiving brewed coffee
or tea, and
a generally cylindrical housing dimensioned to contain said water
reservoir, said heating system, said brew basket and said valve
means, said housing including a recess dimensioned to receive a
portion of said receptacle therein, said drain port disposed above
said recess wherein fluid drained from said drain port is received
in said receptacle through said open upper end.
31. An appliance as defined in claim 25 wherein said valve means is
an elongated tubular member open at both ends having an internal
bore extending therethrough, said bore defining said path when said
valve means is in said first position.
32. An appliance for automatically making freshly-brewed iced tea
or iced coffee comprising:
a reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of water,
a heating system for heating said water,
a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive coffee
particulate or tea particulate therein and a drain port at the
bottom of said chamber for draining liquid from said chamber,
valve means within said brew basket, said valve means having a
passage therethrough and being manually movable to a first position
wherein one end of said passage through said valve means
communicates with said drain port and the other end of said passage
is disposed a predetermined height above the bottom of said
chamber, said one end of said passage substantially obstructing
said drain port, resulting in the accumulation of a level of liquid
in said chamber to said predetermined height above the bottom of
said chamber, liquid exceeding said predetermined height flowing
through said drain passage to said drain port,
a generally columnar housing dimensioned to contain said water
reservoir, said heating system and said brew basket in a stacked
alignment, and
a receptacle for receiving brewed tea or coffee from said brew
basket.
33. An appliance as defined in claim 32 wherein said valve means is
an elongated tubular member open at both ends having an internal
bore extending therethrough, said bore defining said path when said
valve means is in said first position.
34. An appliance as defined in claim 32 further comprising sensing
means for sensing when said receptacle is adjacent said housing,
said sensing means operable to deactivate said heating system when
said receptacle is not adjacent said housing.
35. An appliance for automatically making freshly-brewed iced tea
or iced coffee comprising:
a reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of water,
a heating system for heating said water,
a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive coffee
particulate or tea particulate therein and a drain port at the
bottom of said chamber for draining liquid from said chamber,
a valve member with said brew basket, said valve means having a
passage therethrough and being manually movable to a first position
wherein one end of said passage through said valve member
communicates with said drain port and the other end of said passage
is disposed a predetermined height above the bottom of said
chamber, said one end of said passage substantially obstructing
said drain port, resulting in the accumulation of a level of liquid
in said chamber to said predetermined height above the bottom of
said chamber, liquid exceeding said predetermined height flowing
through said passage to said drain port,
a receptacle for receiving brewed tea or coffee from said brew
basket, and
sensing means for sensing when said receptacle is adjacent said
housing, said sensing means operable to deactivate said heating
system when said receptacle is not adjacent said housing.
36. An appliance as defined in claim 35 wherein said valve member
is an elongated tubular element open at both ends having an
internal bore extending therethrough, said bore defining said path
when said valve member is in said position.
37. In an appliance for automatically brewing tea, coffee or the
like, said appliance having means for providing heated water for
brewing at a predetermined location therein, a brew basket for
holding tea, coffee or the like and for receiving heated water at
said predetermined location, comprising:
said brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive coffee
particulate or tea particulate therein and a drain port at the
bottom of said chamber for draining liquid from said chamber, and a
valve member associated with said chamber, said valve member having
a passage therethrough and being manually movable to a first
position wherein one end of said passage through said valve member
communicates with said drain port and the other end is disposed a
predetermined height above the bottom of said chamber, said one end
of said passage substantially obstructing said drain port,
resulting in the accumulation of a level of heated water of
predetermined height in said chamber, water exceeding said
predetermined height flowing through said passage to said drain
port.
38. A brew basket as defined in claim 37 wherein said valve member
is an elongated tubular element open at both ends having an
internal bore extending therethrough, said bore defining said path
when said valve member is in said position.
39. A brew basket as defined in claim 37 wherein said valve member
is a tubular element having an internal bore connecting two open
ends, said valve member being movable between said first position
wherein one end of said valve member encloses said drain port and
defines a drain outlet at the other end thereof, said bore through
said tubular element defining said path to said drain port, and a
second position wherein said valve member is remote from said drain
port.
40. A brew basket as defined in claim 37 wherein said brew basket
includes actuator means on an external surface thereof operable to
move said valve member between said first position and said second
position.
41. An appliance for automatically making freshly-brewed iced tea
or iced coffee comprising:
a reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of water,
a heating system for heating said water,
a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive coffee
particulate or tea particulate therein and a drain port at the
bottom of said chamber for draining liquid from said chamber,
means within said brew basket for creating a predetermined level of
heated water in said chamber for steeping tea or brewing
coffee,
a housing dimensioned to contain said reservoir, said heating
system and said brew basket, said housing having a generally
continuous linear profile,
a receptacle for receiving brewed coffee or tea therein, said
receptacle having an open upper end and a closed lower end and
being dimensioned to be telescopically received over said housing,
and
a lid dimensioned to rest upon said open upper end of said
receptacle, said lid including a downward extending skirt
dimensioned to engage and be mounted on said lower end of said
receptacle when said receptacle is inverted and telescopically
received over said housing.
42. An appliance as defined in claim 41 wherein said lower end of
said receptacle includes a downward extending skirt, and said skirt
on said lid is dimensioned to be telescopically received over said
skirt on said receptacle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to an appliance for brewing coffee,
tea or the like and more particularly to a conventionally known,
automatic drip-type appliance for making coffee or tea. The
invention is particularly applicable to a device for making freshly
brewed iced tea and will be described with particular reference
thereto, although it will be appreciated that it may also be used
in making hot coffee, hot tea, iced coffee or similar
beverages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to conventionally-known,
automatic drip-type appliances, and more particularly to an
appliance of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,983 to Pastrick
entitled APPLIANCE FOR BREWING COFFEE/TEA. The present invention
specifically relates to improvements and modifications to the
invention described and claimed in the aforementioned patent, the
disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference
herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an
appliance for brewing a flavor carrying material, such as coffee,
tea or the like. The appliance includes a reservoir for receiving a
predetermined amount of water, and means for heating the water. A
brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive a predetermined
amount of flavor carrying material is provided to receive heated
water from the reservoir after it has been heated by the heating
means. Port means are provided within the container for draining
the chamber. The port means include a movable valve member operable
to create a drain opening at two locations within the brew basket.
The valve member has a first position defining a drain opening a
predetermined height above the bottom of the chamber and a second
position wherein a drain opening is defined at the bottom portion
of the chamber.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an appliance for brewing a flavor-carrying material
such as coffee, tea or the like. The appliance includes a reservoir
for receiving a predetermined amount of water, heating means for
heating the water and a brew basket having a chamber adapted to
receive a predetermined amount of flavor-carrying particulate
therein. The brew basket has an open upper end and an aperture at
the lowest portion of the chamber. Means are provided for
delivering heated water from the heating means to the chamber.
Valve means movable between a first position and a second position
is provided to create a drain opening at two locations in the
chamber. The valve means has a first position which defines a drain
opening a predetermined height above the lowest portion of the
chamber and a second position wherein it defines a drain opening at
the lowest portion of the chamber.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an appliance for making iced tea/coffee. The appliance
includes a cylindrical, columnar housing containing a reservoir for
holding a predetermined amount of water, heating means for heating
water from the reservoir and a brew basket having a chamber adapted
to receive coffee, tea or the like. The chamber has an aperture at
the lowest portion thereof for draining brewed, heated tea or
coffee from the chamber and a tubular valve member within the
chamber movable along a generally vertical axis between a first
position and a second position. In the first position the valve
member obstructs the aperture and establishes a drain outlet a
predetermined height above the lower portion of the chamber and in
the second position allows flow through the aperture.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an appliance for automatically making freshly-brewed
iced tea or iced coffee. The appliance includes a reservoir for
holding a predetermined amount of water, a heating system disposed
below the reservoir for heating said water, and a brew basket
disposed above the reservoir having a chamber adapted to receive
coffee particulate or tea particulate therein. A valve member is
associated with the brew basket for creating a drain outlet in the
brew basket for draining brewed coffee or brewed tea therefrom. The
valve member is movable between a first position wherein the valve
member establishes a drain outlet a predetermined height above the
lowest point in the chamber and a second position wherein the valve
member establishes a drain outlet at the lowest point in the
chamber. A housing contains the reservoir, the heating unit, the
brew basket and the valve member and an actuator on the housing is
connected to the valve member for moving the valve member between
the first position and the second position.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a brew basket for holding tea, coffee or the like and
for receiving heated water at a predetermined location on the
appliance for automatically brewing coffee, tea or the like. The
brew basket has a generally cylindrical shape, a closed lower end
and an open upper end defining a chamber for receiving the coffee,
tea and water. An aperture is located at the lowest portion of the
chamber for draining the basket and includes surface means
thereabout. An elongated, tubular valve member is provided having
an upper end, a lower end and an internal bore communicating an
opening in the upper end with an opening in the lower end. The
lower end is dimensioned to matingly engage with the surface means
of the aperture and to form a generally fluid-tight seal therewith
wherein the opening in the lower end is in communication with the
aperture. The valve member is movable between a first position
wherein the lower end of the valve member is displaced from the
aperture and a second position wherein the lower end of the valve
member matingly engages the aperture such that fluid within the
chamber is drained from the basket through the internal bore of the
valve member and the aperture when the fluid reaches the opening in
the upper end of the valve member.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an appliance for automatically making freshly-brewed
tea or coffee. The appliance includes a reservoir for holding a
predetermined amount of water, a heating system for heating said
water, and a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive coffee
particulate or tea particulate therein and a drain port at the
bottom of the chamber for draining liquid from the chamber. A valve
member is associated with the chamber and is manually movable to a
position wherein the valve member is operable to establish a
predetermined height of liquid in the chamber and to direct the
flow of liquid exceeding the predetermined height along a path
through the drain port.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an appliance
for automatically brewing fresh iced tea, iced coffee or the
like.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an appliance
as described above which is suitable for making hot tea or hot
coffee.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an
appliance as described above having a brew basket in which a
predetermined head of heated water for brewing or steeping a
flavor-carrying particulate material may be established and
maintained.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an
appliance as described above having a brew basket including a
movable valve element operable to selectively define an upper drain
port or lower drain port.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a
brew basket as described above wherein liquid drained from the brew
basket through either the upper drain port or the lower drain port
flows from the brew basket at a single location.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an
appliance as described above wherein the movable valve element is
controlled by actuating means disposed upon the housing of the
appliance.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an
appliance having an aesthetically pleasing profile with the
operative components of the appliance disposed within such
profile.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an
appliance as described above having receptacle means for use
therewith, including sensing means for indicating when the
receptacle is aligned with the appliance.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following description of a preferred
embodiment, taken together with the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an appliance for making freshly
brewed iced tea or iced coffee illustrating a preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a sectional elevational view of the upper portion of the
appliance shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2B is a sectioned elevational view of the lower portion of the
appliance shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2A showing a
brew basket cover of the appliance shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a plan view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 2A showing a
removable brew basket of the appliance shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a plan view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 2A showing an
internal water reservoir of the appliance shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the brew
basket shown in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 6A is an enlarged sectional view of a valve element used in
the brew basket shown in FIG. 6;
FIGS. 7 and 7A are respectively enlarged views of the valve element
and an actuator showing the relative position of such components
when the valve element is in an "OPEN position";
FIGS. 8 and 8A are respectively enlarged views of the valve element
and the actuator showing the direction of movement of the
respective components as the actuator is moved from the "OPEN" to a
"CLOSED" position;
FIGS. 9 and 9A are enlarged views of the valve element and the
actuator showing the relative position of such components when the
valve element is in the "CLOSED" position;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken lines 10--10 of FIG.
2B; and
FIG. 10A is a sectional view taken along lines 10A--10A of FIG.
10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing is for the
purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention
only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an
applicance for making iced tea or iced coffee. Broadly stated,
appliance 10 is comprised of a brewing unit 12 for brewing a
beverage such as coffee, tea or the like, and a receptacle 14 for
receiving brewed beverage from brewing unit 12.
In the embodiment shown, brewing unit 12 is basically comprised of
a base member 22, a removable brew basket 24, a brew basket cover
26 and a generally L-shaped shroud 28 (best seen in FIGS. 2A and
2B) which projects upward from base member 22 and extends over
cover member 26. Base member 22, brew basket 24, cover 26 and
shroud 28 are preferably dimensioned to be assembled such that
brewing unit 12 has a generally cylindrical, columnar shape with a
generally continuous linear outer profile as shown in FIG. 1. In
this respect, base member 22 is generally cylindrical in shape and
has a flared lower end 32 and an open upper end 34. An arcuate
recess 36 (best seen in FIG. 5) is formed along one side of base
member 22 from lower end 32 to upper end 34. An indentation 38 is
formed in base member 32 at the upper end 34 thereof, which
indentation 38 communicates with arcuate recess 36, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 5. In this respect, arcuate recess 36
is dimensioned to mate with receptacle 14, and to this end,
indentation 38 is dimensioned to receive a spout on receptacle 14,
as will be described in greater detail below. Base member 22 is
dimensioned to encase or house a water reservoir 42 and a heating
unit 44. Reservoir 42 is generally cup-shaped and includes an open
upper end 46 and a closed lower end 48. Reservoir 42 is dimensioned
to generally conform to the internal cavity defined by base member
22 and to be positioned therein as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In
this respect, water reservoir 42 has an arcuate recess 52 over a
major portion of its side generally matching arcuate recess 36
formed in base member 22. A generally rectangular recess or groove
54 is also formed along the opposite side of reservoir 42.
Rectangular groove 54 forms a generally rectangular channel or
cavity 56 between reservoir 42 and base member 22, which channel 56
extends vertically along the inner surface of base member 22.
Channel 56 is disposed to communicate with a channel or cavity 58
formed in shroud 28, as best seen in FIG. 2A. In the embodiment
shown, shroud 28 is basically formed from a vertical shroud member
62 and horizontal shroud members 64, 66. Horizontal shroud sections
64, 66 define a horizontal channel or cavity 68. In this respect,
as best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, channels 56, 58 and 68, together
define a continuous cavity or passageway from the lower portion of
base member 22 to the upper end of unit 12 which terminates in an
opening 70 located generally along the centered axis of the
columnar brewing unit 12. In the embodiment shown, reservoir 42 is
formed to include an upward extending wall 72 (best seen in FIG.
2A) which together with vertical shroud member 62 defines shroud
channel 58.
Referring now to closed lower end 48 of reservoir 42, mounting boss
74 for supporting reservoir 42 on base member 22 is provided,
together with a downward extending tubular extension 76 which
defines an outlet port 78 (best seen in FIG. 5). Outlet port 78 is
dimensioned to receive a directional valve (not shown) permitting
one-directional flow out of reservoir 42.
Referring now to heating unit 44, such unit in and of itself forms
no part of the present invention and accordingly, shall not be
described in great detail. In general, heating unit 44 is generally
a U-shaped heating element of a type conventionally known and used
in automatic drip-type coffee makers. Broadly stated, heating unit
44 is comprised of an aluminum extrusion having side-by-side
passages 82, 84 extending therethrough. Passage 82 includes a
ceramic heating core element 86 therein which is operable to
increase in temperature when electrical current is passed
therethrough. Heating core element 86 is preferably controlled by a
resettable thermostat (not shown) which is activated by a button
switch 90 (best seen in FIG. 1) which extends through the wall of
base member 22 to be exposed on the outer surface of brewing unit
10. Heating unit 44 and switch 90 may be connected to the
resettable thermostat by an arrangement of the type disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,983, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein. An indicator light 92 is preferably provided and
electrical connected to heating unit 44 to provide an indication
when heating unit 44 is electrically activated. In the embodiment
shown, heating unit 44 has a 120 Volt, 725 Watt rating. According
to the present invention, heating unit 44 is oriented to lie in a
generally horizontal plane below reservoir 42, so as to facilitate
a large reservoir 42 being located within base member 22 and
further to permit reservoir 42 to be positioned lower within base
member 22. One end of passage 84 of heating unit 44 communicates
with tubular extension 76 of reservoir 42 by tubing (not shown) to
receive water therefrom. The other end of passage 84 is connected
to a conduit (not shown) which extends through the passage formed
by channels 56, 58 and 68 to opening 70 in shroud 28 to transfer
heated water from heating unit 44 to brew basket 24. In this
respect, heating unit 44 heats water from reservoir 42 and conveys
such heated water by steam pressure to an opening 70 above brew
basket 24, as is conventionally known.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 4 and FIGS. 6-9A, brew basket 24 is
shown. In the embodiment disclosed, brew basket 24 is adapted to be
positioned above reservoir 42 and to be supported by base member
22. Importantly, the outer surface of brew basket 24 is preferably
dimensioned to maintain the continuous linear outer profile
established by base member 22. In this respect, in the embodiment
shown, brew basket 24 includes a generally cylindrical outer wall
102 dimensioned to conform to the outer profile of base member 22.
Outer wall 102 includes a pair of spaced-apart vertically oriented
grooves or recesses 104 (best seen in FIG. 1) dimensioned to
provide finger access to facilitate gripping and holding of brew
basket 24. A generally rectangular recess 106 (best seen in FIG. 4)
is formed in one side of brew basket 24 to receive the vertical
portion of shroud 28 therein. Brew basket 24 includes an inner wall
108 and a bottom wall 110 which together form an inner cavity or
wetting chamber 112 having an opened upper end 114. Chamber 112 is
provided for holding tea, coffee or the like and for receiving
heated water from heating unit 44. Brew basket 24 includes a drain
port 118 formed at the lowermost portion of chamber 112. In the
embodiment shown, drain port 118 is generally comprised of a
cylindrical recess or counterbored hole 120 having an aperture 22
through the bottom thereof, which recess or hole 120 defines a
cylindrical inner surface 124 about aperture 22.
To facilitate drainage through drain port 118, bottom wall 110 of
brew basket 24 is inclined slightly toward drain port 118 as best
illustrated in FIG. 2A. A plurality of ribs 126 (best seen in FIG.
4) are provided on the upper surface of bottom wall 110. In this
respect, chamber 112 of brew basket 24 is dimensioned to receive a
conventionally known paper filter (not shown) when loose coffee or
tea is used therein and ribs 126 elevate the filter above the
surface of bottom wall 110 to facilitate drainage. As best seen in
FIG. 4, inner wall 108 of brew basket 24 is dimensioned to include
a generally rectangular slot 128 above drain port 118. Slot 128 is
aligned with drain port 118 and extends vertically therefrom.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a valve member
130 is provided within brew basket 24 to selectively control the
flow of fluid therefrom through aperture 122. Valve member 130
(best seen in FIGS. 6 and 6A) is generally tubular in shape and has
an open upper end 132 and an open lower end 134 and a central bore
136 communicating opened upper end 132 with opened bottom end 134.
In the embodiment shown, the lower end of valve member 130 is
generally cylindrical in shape, but includes a planar back wall
surface 138 along the upper portion thereof. A generally flat wall
portion 142 is formed at the upper end of valve member 130 and
includes a generally triangular aperture 144 therein. A pair of
ports 146 are also provided at the upper end of valve member 130,
but below triangular aperture 144 as best illustrated in FIG. 6A.
The lower end 134 of valve member 130 includes a generally annular
recess 148 formed therein dimensioned to receive a conventionally
known O-ring 150. Valve member 130 is dimensioned to be positioned
within slot 128 of brew basket 24. In this position, the
longitudinal axis of valve member 130 is generally aligned with
aperture 122 of drain port 118. Lower end 134 of valve member 130
is dimensioned to be received within counterbored hole or recess
120 of brew basket 24 with O-ring 150 being in sealing engagement
with the inner surface 124 of hole or recess 120. Valve member 130
is mounted to brew basket 42 by an actuator 160.
Actuator 160 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a flat
inward facing back surface 162 and a generally concave outward
facing front surface 164 having a web 166 extending across the face
thereof. Web 166 is dimensioned to be gripped by a user of
appliance 10, and includes an indicator 168 at one end thereof.
Actuator 160 includes a shaft 172 which extends from back planar
surface 162. Shaft 172 includes a cam arm 174 and a locking tab 176
which extends from shaft 172 at right angles to the axis thereof.
Cam arm 174 and locking tab 176 extends radially outward from shaft
172 and are disposed at generally a right angle to each other, as
best seen in FIG. 9. In this respect, cam arm 174 is operable to
interact with aperture 144 on valve member 130, and to this end is
positioned along shaft 172 to be disposed within triangular
aperture 144 of valve member 130 when valve 130 and actuator 160
are mounted to brew basket 24. Locking tab 176 is operable to
maintain cam arm 174 within aperture 144 when valve member 130 and
actuator 160 are assembled with brew basket 24.
To mount valve member 130 and actuator 160, brew basket 24 includes
a generally planar wall portion 182 formed above drain port 118 at
the upper edge of inner wall 108. The outer surface of planar wall
portion 182 is dimensioned to engage flat back surface 164 of
actuator 160, whereas the inner surface of planar wall portion 182
is operable to abut planar surface 138 of valve member 130, as best
seen in FIG. 6. A generally vertical slot 140 (best seen in FIG. 4)
is provided in planar wall portion 182 to receive shaft 172 of
actuator 160. Slot 140 is dimensioned to maintain shaft 172 in
snap-lock fashion therein. Valve member 130 and actuator 160 may be
fastened to brew basket 24 positioning cam arm 174 within
triangular aperture 144 of valve member 130 and then guiding shaft
into slot 140 of brew basket 24. In this respect, actuator 160 and
valve member 130 are guided over planar wall portion 182 of brew
basket 24 such that valve member 130 is received in rectangular
slot 128 which is formed in inner wall 108 (as best seen in FIG. 4)
and which extends upward from drain port 118, and shaft 172 is
guided into slot 140 of wall portion 182 until shaft 172 is
snap-locked therein. Cam arm 174 and triangular aperture 144 and
valve member 130 have interactive cam surfaces wherein cam arm 174
moving against the inner surface of aperture 144 causes movement of
valve member 130 relative to shaft 172 of stationary actuator 160,
as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9A. Specifically, rotation of
actuator 160 causes valve member 130 to move in a vertical
direction relative to drain port 118.
In this respect, valve member 130 is movable between a first
position as shown in FIG. 9 wherein lower end 134 of valve member
130 is disposed within counterbored recess 120 of drain port 118
with O-ring 150 in sealing engagement with inner surface 124 of
drain port 118, and a second position wherein lower end 134 of
valve member 130 is removed from drain port 118. In this respect,
when valve member 130 is in its first position, flow through
aperture 122 of drain port 118 is prevented until fluid within brew
basket 24 has reached a predetermined height "H" which is the
distance between the bottom of ports 146 on valve member 130 and
bottom wall 110 of brew basket 24. As best illustrated in FIGS. 7,
7A, 8 and 8A, rotation of actuator 160 in a clockwise direction
causes valve member 130 to move to a "second position" wherein
lower end 134 of valve member 130 is removed from drain port 118
and flow therethrough is permitted. Valve member 130 thus creates
an elevated drain outlet (i.e. ports 146) when in its "first
position" and creates a lower drain outlet (i.e. aperture 122) when
in its "second position". The "first position" may be referred to
as a "closed" position and the "second position" may be referred to
an "open" position, and in the embodiment shown, the outer surface
of outer wall 102 includes markings "OPEN" and "CLOSED" which are
indicative of, by means of indicator 168 on web 166, the relative
position of valve member 130 in relation to the position of
actuator 160. Importantly, irrespective of the position of valve
member 130, fluid within brew basket 24 will always be drained
through aperture 122 of drain port 118, i.e. either through the
internal bore 136 of valve member 130 when valve member 130 is in
its first or "closed" position and fluid in chamber 112 exceeds
height "H" or directly through aperture 122 when valve member 130
is in its second or "open" position.
Referring now to FIG. 3, brew basket cover 26 is shown. Cover 26 is
provided to cover brew basket 24 and to enclose chamber 112. To
this end, cover 26 is cylindrical in shape and has an outer profile
dimensioned to conform to the outer profile defined by base member
22 and brew basket 24. Cover member includes an L-shaped recess 184
along its side and top which is dimensioned to receive shroud 28
therein. A circular recess 186 is provided below opening 70 in
shroud 28. Recess 186 includes a plurality of apertures 188 to
permit heated water from opening 70 to drip into chamber 112 of
brew basket 24.
As indicated above, base member 22, brew basket 24, cover 26 and
shroud 28 are preferably formed to be assembled into a columnar
unit having a generally continuous linear outer profile as shown in
FIG. 1. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this shape
not only provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but also
facilitates compact storage.
Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A, an outward extending projection
190 formed on base member 22 is shown. Projection 190 is generally
rectangular in shape and includes a slot 192 therein. A magnetic
sensing element 194 is disposed within projection 190 as best seen
in FIG. 10A. Magnetic sensing element 194 is part of the electrical
circuit connected to heating unit 42, which circuit is operable to
permit current to heating unit only when sensing element 194
detects the presence of a magnet thereby.
Referring now to receptacle 14, receptacle 14 is generally
cylindrical in shape having a closed lower end 202 and an opened
upper end 204, and defining a cylindrical beverage holding cavity
206. The radius of curvature of the outer diameter of receptacle 14
is preferably dimensioned to correspond to the radius of curvature
of arcuate recess 36 of base member 22, such that receptacle 14 may
be located in proper position against base member 22 by merely
moving receptacle 14 into a mating engagement with recess 36
thereof. According to the present invention, closed lower end 202
of receptacle 14 includes a downward extending cylindrical skirt
208, a spout 210 (shown in FIG. 2A) is formed on upper end 204.
Spout 210 is dimensioned to be received within triangular
indentation 38 of base member 22 when receptacle 14 is positioned
thereagainst. Importantly, according to the present invention, a
notch or opening (not shown) is provided in skirt 208 directly
below spout 210 to receive projection 190 on base member 22. A
downward extending tab 212 shown in phantom in FIG. 10A is provided
on receptacle 14 to be received in slot 192 of projection 190 to
align receptacle 14 in a predetermined position relative to base
member 22. Importantly, a magnet 214 is secured to the lower
portion of receptacle 14 to be positioned adjacent magnetic sensing
element 194 when receptacle 14 is positioned against base member
22. Receptacle 14 also preferably includes a handle 216 to
facilitate handling thereof. In the embodiment heretofore
described, receptacle 14 preferably has a capacity to hold three
(3) quarts of liquid.
A lid 220, best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2A, is provided for receptacle
14. Lid 220 is dimensioned to rest upon the upper edge of
receptacle 14 and includes a downward extending cylindrical flange
222. Flange 222 is preferably dimensioned to snugly fit within
receptacle 14 and has a length operable to maintain lid 220 with
receptacle 14 when beverage is poured therefrom.
According to another aspect of the present invention, brewing unit
12, receptacle 14 and lid 220 are dimensioned for compact packaging
and storage. Specifically, receptacle 14 is preferably dimensioned
to have an inner diameter and shape slightly larger than the outer
diameter of brewing unit 12 wherein receptacle 14 may be placed
over brewing unit 12 in telescoping fashion. Further, the inner
diameter of flange 222 of lid 220 is dimensioned to be slightly
larger than the outer diameter of skirt 208 on receptacle 14,
wherein lid 220 may be positioned on skirt 208 of receptacle 14,
when receptacle 14 is inserted and stored on brewing unit 12. Thus,
the entire appliance may be packaged or stored in a minimum space,
with receptacle 14 inverted and on brewing unit 12, and lid 220
setting on skirt 208 of receptacle 14.
Referring now to the operation of the disclosed embodiment, to
produce fresh iced tea using the invention disclosed, several trays
of ice (approximately four trays or about 48 ounces of ice) are
placed within cavity 206 of receptacle 14. Brew basket 24 is
removed from brewing unit 12. Grooves 104 in outer wall 102 of brew
basket 24 facilitates gripping of brew basket 24 and removal
therefrom from brewing unit 12. A conventionally known coffee
filter is preferably inserted within chamber 112 of brew basket 24,
and a predetermined amount of tea (which may be loose or contained
in tea bags) is placed within the filter in brew basket 24. With
brew basket 24 removed from base member 22, a predetermined amount
of water is placed within water reservoir 42. In the embodiment
shown, reservoir 42 is dimensioned to receive approximately 50
ounces of water. Cover 26 is then placed upon brew basket 24 and
together brew basket 24 and cover 26 are replaced on brewing unit
12 by sliding same onto base member 22 under shroud 28.
Actuator 160 is moved to the CLOSED position as shown in FIG. 9A
wherein valve member 130 is disposed in its first position as shown
in FIG. 9. In this position, lower end 134 is received within
recess 120 of drain port 118 with O-ring 150 in sealing engagement
with inner surface 124. Receptacle 14 is then positioned adjacent
brewing unit 12 with spout 210 positioned within triangular
indentation 38 of base member 32. In this position, magnet 214 on
the lower portion of receptacle 14 is positioned adjacent magnetic
sensing element 194 of projection 190 which permits current to flow
to heating unit 44 when appliance 10 is actuated.
Operation of appliance 10 is initiated by button switch 90 on base
member 22, which activates heating unit 44. Indicator lamp 92 will
illuminate when current is provided to heating unit 44. Heat
generated by heating core 86 is conducted via the aluminum
extrusion to the water in passage 84. As the water is heated, steam
is formed in passage 82 which produces a directional flow of water
up through the conduit (not shown) in shroud 28 to the opening 70
therein, wherein heated water is directed through apertures 188 in
cover 26 into chamber 112 of brew basket 24. As heated water is
directed into chamber 112, valve member 130 which is in its
"closed" position prevents immediate drainage of the brewed, heated
water through drain port 118. This causes water within brew basket
24 to rise in level and to submerge the tea or coffee within
chamber 112. In this respect, the water and steeping tea continue
to build up, i.e. produce a "head" of water, within chamber 112
until it reaches level "H" defined by ports 146 of valve member
130. Importantly, the tea within brew basket 24 is continuously
steeping in the hot water maintained within chamber 112 by valve
member 130. As will be appreciated, water (i.e. brewed tea)
reaching ports 146 will drain therethrough, into ports 146 of valve
member 130 to aperture 122 in drain port 118. Brewed tea draining
through aperture 122 of brew basket 24 is collected into receptacle
14 by spout 210 wherein it is cooled by the ice contained
therein.
The steeping or brewing cycle continues as hot water is
continuously forced into chamber 112 by heating unit 44. Once all
the water within reservoir 42 has been heated and conveyed to
chamber 112 of brew basket 24, the heating core 86 will heat to a
temperature at which case the thermostat (not shown) within the
control circuit shall kick out the current to the heating unit in a
manner as is conventionally known.
Importantly, according to the present invention, the magnetic
sensing element within projection 190 of base member 22 ensures
that brewing unit 12 does not continually brew or operate in the
event that receptacle 14 is removed therefrom. In this respect,
should receptacle 14 be removed from its position adjacent brewing
unit 12, magnetic sensing circuit 194 will sense removal of the
receptacle 14 by noting the absence of magnet 214 thereby causing
heating unit 44 to be deactivated which in turn prevents any
further flow of heated water to brew basket 24.
Referring now to the head of water which has built up within brew
basket 24 during the brewing cycle of appliance 10, upon completion
of the brewing cycle, the head of water within brew basket 24 may
be released using actuator 160 by rotating same to the OPEN
position, thereby causing valve member 130 to move from its first
position wherein the lower end 134 obstructs drain port 118 to its
second position wherein lower end 134 is removed from drain port
118 and flow is permitted therethrough. In this respect, aperture
122 effectively drains the head of heated, brewed water (tea) from
brew basket 24 into receptacle 14.
With respect to the embodiment heretofore described, water heated
by heating element 44 generally enters brew basket 24 at
approximately 190.degree. Fahrenheit, and may exit brew basket 24
into receptacle 14 as tea at a temperature of approximately
175.degree. Fahrenheit. As indicated above, receptacle 14 is
dimensioned to have a capacity sufficient to hold the water from
reservoir 44 together with sufficient ice to chill the heated,
brewed tea. In the embodiment shown, the final temperature of the
iced tea produced by appliance 10 is approximately 42.degree.
Fahrenheit.
While the present invention has been described with respect to
producing iced tea, it would appreciated that iced coffee can
easily be made with the present invention by merely inserting
coffee in place of tea in the brewing funnel and by positioning
actuator 160 to the OPEN position, wherein brew basket 24 will
operate as a conventionally drip-type coffee maker. Moreover, it
will be appreciated that the present invention can be modified to
produce hot coffee or hot tea in that the improved brew basket,
which creates and maintains consistently a predetermined brewing or
steeping head of water, may be adapted and used in drip-type coffee
makers known heretofore. These and other alterations and
modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art
after a reading of the present invention. It is intended that all
such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come
within the scope of the patent as claimed or the equivalents
thereof.
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